. >> well, look, there's hope because i think right after the election you had john boehner come in and say, look, we'll be willing to accept some revenue increases at some particular point. but like i said before, i think it's a reflection of how weak obama was two years ago, otherwise we wouldn't be in this situation. i think the republican party realizes that they were absolutely wiped out last week, they really do need to negotiate more. barack obama needs to stand his ground for once, he never has to run for reelection again and i do think we can get a conclusion that's not going to lead us to some horrible economic apocalypse. but that's only if the republicans negotiate and barack obama remains strong. >> okay. i'm going to ask both of you for your predictions. how long will it take lawmakers to come up with a deal? maria? >> i think it will take up until the middle of december. >> jason? >> yeah, and -- >> it'll be a christmas surprise for everybody. i think they're going to be until the last minute and they're going to leave at the absolute last minute. both sides will hold out